House fires keep Wilmington firefighters busy Sunday – First State Update

Sunday afternoon, around 1:20 a.m., Wilmington Fire Department A Platoon was alerted to a fire at a residential structure in the 100 block of West 35th Street. The first units to arrive discovered heavy fires at the rear of two adjoining homes. Initial callers reported a civilian trapped in the residence and a burn victim outside.

Due to the size of the fire and weather conditions, a second alarm was issued, bringing the remainder of Wilmington's on-duty firefighters to the scene, as well as mutual aid from New Castle County fire companies . Firefighters conducted an aggressive attack on the fire at both homes and searched both homes simultaneously. No occupants were found in either house.

And the initial report of a burn victim also turned out to be false. The fire was brought under control after approximately thirty minutes. Both homes were deemed uninhabitable due to extensive fire damage. The Red Cross is providing temporary accommodation for displaced residents. There were no injuries. During the fire, New Castle County fire companies also provided coverage to the city's vacant fire stations in case of other emergencies.

Around 3:50 p.m., Wilmington firefighters from Platoon A were alerted to another residential structure fire, this time in the 2400 block of N Madison Street.

The first arriving units discovered smoke coming from a two-story home. A fire was noticed on the rear terrace of the residence and spread inside the house. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, limiting damage to the interior of the residence. Firefighters searched the residence and found no occupants inside. The fire was quickly brought under control in around ten minutes. Fire damage was limited to the first floor and exterior of the home, while smoke damaged the remainder of the residence. This fire also did not cause any injuries. The Wilmington Fire Department is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.